Home Library Essentials: Best Craft Books

Home and craft go hand in hand, especially in this economy. We have become a society of doers and makers in these tough financial times, and I have to say I couldn't be happier about it. A home is so much more welcoming and important if the space reflects you and your family through things that you have designed and constructed yourself.

Having worked in the craft and design industry for quite some time, I'm privy to some of the best books on the market. My favorites are simplistic, project-oriented and well organized, and I'd love to share them with you.

1. Design*Sponge At Home by Grace Bonney. One of the best books on the market if you're looking for all of the above. This one includes craft projects, home projects, makeovers and "sneak peeks" of beautiful homes. Plus, a foreword by Jonathan Adler ain't too shabby!

2. The Suitcase Series, Part 2: Dottie Angelby Tif Fussell. One of my personal favorites, this book is the second volume in the Suitcase Series, published by charming Canadian publishing house and magazine, Uppercase. Get a glimpse into Tif's artistic, "granny chic" world and learn how to adopt a bit of that adorableness into your own life and space.

3. Readymade: How to Make [Almost] Everything by Shoshana Berger. Miss the magazine? Look no further, the book is just as good. Large scale furniture projects, as well as smaller-scale DIYs will help you navigate through our now Readymade magazine-less world.

4. Print Workshop by Christine Schmidt. For the lovers of printmaking: check out this wonderful book by Yellow Owl Workshop's Christine Schmidt. Learn how to create your own block prints, linoleums blocks and every-day stamps in this how-to printmaking project book.

5. Simple Sewing by Lotta Jansdotter. Simple home sewing projects from the delightful Lotta Jansdotter! Everything from awesome pocket craft organizers to practical tote bags: this is a great one for beginning sewers.